(a) Identification. A medical absorbent fiber is a device intended for medical purposes that is made from cotton or synthetic fiber in the shape of a ball or a pad and that is used for applying medication to, or absorbing small amounts of body fluids from, a patient's body surface. Absorbent fibers intended solely for cosmetic purposes are not included in this generic device category.

(b) Classification. Class I (general controls). The device is exempt from the premarket notification procedures in subpart E of part 807 of this chapter, subject to the limitations in 880.9. If the device is not labeled or otherwise represented as sterile, it is also exempt from the current good manufacturing practice requirements of the quality system regulation in part 820 of this chapter, with the exception of 820.180, with respect to general requirements concerning records, and 820.198, with respect to complaint files.